Toprol XL, a type of medication known as a beta blocker, is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, angina pectoris (chest pain, usually caused by lack of oxygen to the heart due to clogged arteries), and heart attack. When prescribed for high blood pressure, it is effective when used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications. Beta blockers decrease the force and rate of heart contractions, thereby reducing the demand for oxygen and lowering blood pressure.

INSTRUCTIONS

Take Toprol XL exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take Toprol XL at the same time every day.

Toprol XL should be taken with food or just after a meal. A Toprol XL tablet can be divided in half if your doctor has told you to do so. The half tablet should be swallowed whole, without chewing or crushing. Chewing or crushing the pill could cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Do not skip doses or stop taking Toprol XL without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Toprol XL.

Toprol XL is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Toprol XL.

STORAGE

Store Toprol XL at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Toprol XL out of the reach of children and away from pets.

MORE INFO:

Active Ingredient: Metoprolol succinate.

SAFETY INFORMATION

Do NOT use Toprol XL if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Toprol XL or to another beta-blocker

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Toprol XL may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

Toprol XL may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Toprol XL with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Toprol XL may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

Do not suddenly stop using Toprol XL without first talking your doctor. If your doctor decides you should no longer use Toprol XL, you will need to stop Toprol XL gradually according to your doctor's instructions.

If your doctor has instructed you to check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly, be sure to do so.

Do not take any medicines used to treat colds or congestion without first consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.

Diabetes patients - Toprol XL may hide signs of low blood sugar, such as rapid heartbeat. Be sure to watch for other signs or low blood sugar. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you more hungry. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Toprol XL before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

If you have a history of any severe allergic reaction, talk with your doctor. You may be at risk for an even more severe allergic reaction if you come into contact with the substance that caused your allergy. Some medicines used to treat severe allergies may also not work as well while you are using Toprol XL.

Lab tests, including liver and kidney function, blood pressure, and complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Toprol XL. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Toprol XL should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Toprol XL while you are pregnant. Toprol XL is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Toprol XL, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

SIDE EFFECTS

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: